As Taylor slipped outside, the cool night air whispered through her hair and she tugged her sweater shawl closer. A last-minute change of plans had Kate attending the business dinner with Jagger. And the anxiety about having to spend time with her former friend floated away as the excitement over seeing Jagger continued to build.

Now, as she hurried down the walkway, her insides hummed with excitement.

At the sidewalk’s end, she slipped off her shoes and trudged forward in the cold sand. Her phone buzzed and she slowed to read the incoming text.

“Stay right there,” Jagger texted.

From behind, strong hands wrapped her in a hug. “I’ve missed you.” His familiar voice sent tingles skittering through her. “All I could think about tonight was you.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Turning, she smiled. “Same here.”

When he kissed her, she melted into him. “I have a surprise. You ready?”

She slipped her fingers through his and the warmth from his hand calmed her. “Lead the way.”

They strolled down the stretch of dark beach, the lapping waves kissing the shoreline. After passing several large boulders, he stopped. “Our secret hideaway.”

A large Mexican blanket had been spread over the sand and covered with beach towels. Faux pillar candles surrounded the romantic oasis, the flickering yellow light beckoning them over. A stack of folded blankets had been piled nearby. She spied two flutes and a bottle sticking out of a champagne bucket.

“Thank you,” she murmured. “This is amazing.”

As she sat, he lifted the bottle of sparkling water, opened it, and shot her a playful smile. “Hope you don’t mind a twist-top,” he said, and poured their drinks.

Laughing, she accepted the flute and he eased down next to her. “To you.”

As they toasted, a gust of wind swirled her hair and she shivered. Jagger pulled a blanket off the pile, repositioned himself behind her, and cloaked them in a thick layer of warm cotton. She pulled up her knees and he tightened his hug. Together, they stared at the glittery moonlight dancing on the midnight ocean.

He nuzzled her neck, kissed her skin, then he lifted her onto his lap. “I want you, Taylor.” With his arm draped around her shoulder, he kissed her. “I want to make your fantasy come true. Have sex on the beach with me.”

Her breath hitched, her insides pulsed with arousal, and her heart leapt at the chance to be with this man again. Melissa’s motto, “Life is all about making bold choices,” had led her to this special moment…and to this amazing man.

But as she studied his handsome face, all the words about how she really felt got stuck in her throat. “I want you, too,” was all she could murmur.

Slowly, they removed their clothing and snuggled beneath the blankets. Just being with Jagger was her ultimate fantasy. Soothed by the gentle ocean waves lapping the shore, she peered into his soulful eyes. His smile melted her. His kiss left her breathless. She tore open the condom packet, straddled him, and sheathed him. Rising up, she took him deep inside her, the ultimate pleasure streaking through her. Instead of moving, she peered down at him, eager to capture the memory of this wonderful man and this special moment.

His gaze roamed over her face and body. “You are so damned sexy.”

Tears welled and she draped herself over him to conceal the unwelcomed emotion. He wrapped her in his strong arms and whispered, “Your beauty and strength are all I need.”

Refusing to ruin the moment by crying, she began gliding on his shaft. The onslaught of euphoria stole her thoughts, and she got lost in everything Jagger.

She loved how his hands never stopped moving over her. How he shifted her so he could slip his hand between them and fondle her breasts, or how he caressed her bottom in a way that made her grind into him and growl with pleasure. But mostly, she just loved him.

“I’m going to…Oh, Jagger…” Her voice trailed off in a moan as the ecstasy overtook her. Convulsing and moaning through the orgasm, she couldn’t mask the tears flowing down her cheeks. She wished she hadn’t fallen so hard, so fast.

Still connected, he rolled them over. When he saw her dampened cheeks, his brow furrowed. “Happy tears, right?”

She smiled. “Very happy.”

“We are good together,” he said, before resuming his thrusting.

He held her like she was his. He kissed her like he couldn’t live without her. The sexy sounds he made when he came inside her triggered another orgasm and she released a strangled cry as he poured himself into her.

In the aftermath, they snuggled close. She shouldn’t be falling in love with him, but she was. Needing a moment to clear her head, she scooted out of his embrace.

“Be right back.” Though chilled by the nighttime air, she wrapped herself in another beach blanket, and hurried to the water’s edge.

There, she turned her full attention toward the vastness of the star-filled sky, wishing on the brightest one for something that seemed absurd, even to her.

A moment later, he appeared next to her. “You have a thing about leaving me after loving me.”

She glimpsed his naked body. “Do you want a blanket?”

“No, Taylor, I want you. I want you to stop being afraid of what’s happening between us.” He stood in front of her and laid strong hands on her shoulders. “Trust me.”

“I do trust you, Jagger. It’s myself I don’t trust. I don’t want to get hurt.”

Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her forehead. “Come sit down. I have another surprise.”

Once huddled beneath the blankets, he presented her with a small jewelry box. “I bought this at one of the boutique stores in the hotel. I wanted to get out, but the day—”

She pressed her fingers over his mouth. “You didn’t have to buy me anything.”

He shone his phone’s flashlight onto the box. “Open it.”

After lifting the lid, she gasped. “Jagger, it’s beautiful.” A striking sapphire bracelet laced with diamonds sparkled in the spotlight.

“The sapphires reminded me of your eyes, but no worries if you don’t like it. You can exchange it for anything in any of the stores.”

She melted. “I love it. I can’t believe you did this.”

He clasped the gift onto her wrist. She rose up on her knees and the blanket slipped off her shoulders. Pressing her hands to his face, she kissed him again and again. “Thank you. It’s perfect and thoughtful and totally unexpected.”

“You just described you. Happy Valentine’s Day to my raven-haired beauty.”

On a strangled sob, she threw her arms around him. Together, they fell backward onto the blanket. “Tell me you have more than that one condom,” she said as tears streaked her cheeks.

“Bought a twelve-pack this time,” he said, and they laughed.

They made love again. Though Taylor thought they should return to the hotel, Jagger asked her to fall asleep in his arms. She didn’t want to leave him, so she stayed.

When she awoke, she checked the time on her phone. Just after four.

“Jagger, wake up. It’s opening day and we have to get inside before the staff sees us.”

“Get inside?” he asked. “If you say so.”

He shot her a sleepy grin, kissed her cheek, and whispered, “Be my Valentine.”

I love you. She couldn’t say those words, so she settled for, “Only if you’ll be mine.”

Twenty minutes later, they rode the service elevator to the penthouse level. He stole one more kiss before she hurried down the hall, toward her suite.

When she entered, she expected silence and darkness. Instead, the room was ablaze with lights. Kate stopped pacing, crossed her arms, and scowled, as if Taylor had missed her curfew. Hoping to avoid a conversation, Taylor marched toward her bedroom.

“You had to go and ruin everything, didn’t you?” Kate’s staccato sliced through the cold silence.

“Stay out of my life,” Taylor replied.

“Not when you’re screwing my best client.”

Taylor stopped and pivoted. With slow, deliberate steps, she walked toward Kate. In the past, Kate’s death stare and intimidating nature had sent Taylor running scared. But not this time. “Back off, Kathy.”

“You’re destroying Jagger’s image—the image I restored. I do not want a repeat of last year. Jagger almost lost everything because he couldn’t keep his dick in his pants. He was such a high-maintenance client I had to let everyone else go. It’s taken me months to rebuild my client list. Jagger is one drink, one irrelevant fuck, one snort away from another catastrophic nosedive.”

Taylor rolled her eyes. Nothing had changed. The earth still revolved around Kathy Jones. “Clearly, you don’t know him.”

“Jagger’s going to break your heart,” Kate continued. “I want to help ensure that doesn’t happen. This time it’s personal. We’re friends.”

“No,” Taylor said, hitching her hands on her hips. “Not friends.”

“You don’t know this, dear, but wealthy playboys do whatever they want, whenever they want.” Kate’s syrupy voice grated on Taylor. “I’m going to be brutally honest. You’re innocent and naïve. I’m worried that Jagger is using you, honey.”

“You? Honest? When have you ever been honest?”

Kate’s upper lip curled into a snarl.

“In tenth grade, I confided in you that I had a huge crush on Pete Strawbridge,” Taylor began. “You told me you wanted to—and I quote—‘help me get him’. A week later, you two were inseparable.” She arched a brow. “Where I come from, that’s not help.”

Smirking, Kate shook her head. “C’mon, high school was a crazy time.”

“We had round two in college,” Taylor said. “This time, you helped yourself to Joe Greenway. Remember him? One minute he’s my boyfriend, the next minute I found you with his dick in your mouth. But that’s nothing compared to all the cheating you did every time we took a class together.”

Kate’s cheeks pinkened. “Me? Cheat? That’s insane.”

“You got called into the dean’s office and somehow managed to talk your way out of that, too,” Taylor said. “A few years ago, at a college reunion, I heard you paid a bunch of sorority sisters to ensure you got nominated for homecoming queen after you learned the sorority wanted me to represent them. That’s classic Kathy. The day I cut ties with you was a good one.”

Kate jabbed her index finger at Taylor. “When he starts screwing the masses, boozes it up…or worse, don’t come crying to me.”

“That’s your baggage with Jagger, not mine.” Taylor had had enough. She swiped her keycard, entered her bedroom, and kicked the door closed.

Shaking, Taylor crawled onto the bed and curled in a ball. Kathy Jones had succeeded in resurrecting old wounds and decade’s worth of insecurities. Taylor shoved her face into the pillow and sobbed.

* * *

Opening day, and Jagger was on top of the world. Loving Malibu was sold out. She did it. Surprised Taylor hadn’t joined him for breakfast in the restaurant, he shot her a quick text. “Today will be mayhem. Thank you for everything.”

But no dots appeared on the screen as he made his way toward his office.

Robby whirled in. “Congratulations, boss. This is a great day and I, for one, plan to enjoy every second of it. I hope you do, too. You deserve this success.”

“I couldn’t have gotten through the last two years without you. Thank you, Robby, for everything.”

Robby cupped his hands over his heart. “You’re going to make me cry.”

“Cry after we get through today. Once guests start arriving and those champagne bottles are uncorked, things are going to get crazy.”

THE DAY HAD BEEN a whirlwind of greeting guests, posing for photos, and talking with the press. And while the champagne flowed freely, Jagger didn’t miss the bubbly. What he did miss was Taylor. He hadn’t seen her all day.

Before the evening events got underway, he retreated to his suite. Several floral arrangements, and baskets filled with alcohol, adorned the living area. I’ll give the liquor to the staff tomorrow. He dressed in his black tuxedo and simple black mask, the one he’d given Taylor to use. Missing the hell out of her, he called her.

“Hi,” she answered.

Relieved to hear her voice, he smiled. “There you are. Can you stop by my suite?”

“Be there shortly.”

Ten minutes later, there was a light tap on his door. Eager to see her, he flung it open. Her crimson halter evening gown hugged her curves; the matching masquerade mask made her blue eyes pop. “Wow, you look amazing.” She’d pinned up her hair, reminding him of the night they’d met. “My raven-haired beauty.”

But it was her confident smile that sent a burst of energy through him. After closing the door, he pulled her into his arms and inhaled everything Taylor. “I missed you today.”

“Me, too. Did you see? All three shows are sold out.”

He kissed her cheek. “My heroine.”

“Hardly. You did this, Jagger. This is your win.”

He dropped a light kiss on her lipstick-covered lips. “Come on in. I have something I’ve been meaning to give you.”

Her face lit up. Holding her hand, he led her to the sofa. “Please, sit.”

As her gaze swept over the wine and champagne baskets, her expression faltered.

“You’re not worried I’m going to drink any of that, are you?”

For a brief second, concern laced her eyes. “No, of course not.”

“Be right back.” He retreated to his bedroom and grabbed the stilettos she’d left the night they’d met. Then, he knelt in front of her and swapped out her heels for those.

She couldn’t mask the sadness in her eyes. “Thank you for returning my shoes.”

Hoping to lighten the moment, he said, “It’s more like ‘If the shoes fit, you must be the girl of my dreams’.”

“Aww, thank you.” Her sweet smile slayed him, but he wasn’t convinced she was okay.

“Ready to head downstairs?” he asked, pushing off the floor.

As she rose, she grabbed the discarded shoes and hurried toward the door. “I’ll drop these in my suite and see you there.”

Taylor’s jitters worried him. Something was definitely wrong. Three easy strides and he stood beside her. “You’re not okay. Talk to me.” Hoping to comfort her, he ran a hand over her shoulder. Instead of relaxing, she stiffened.

“I’m sorry. I’m fine. It’s been a long day. Of course I’ll join you.”

He couldn’t fathom what had caused the abrupt change, but he was late to his own event. The masquerade party was well underway and he was slated to address the guests fifteen minutes ago. “I’m giving a brief speech in the ballroom. Join me.”

“I’ve got to check on the performers.” She opened the door and stepped into the hallway.

“You’ll have time. You’re part of my leadership team and I want you onstage with me.”

After dropping off her shoes, they waited for the elevator in a chilly silence. The doors slid open and, as they squeezed inside, Jagger greeted his guests with a smile. “How’s everyone doing?”

“Having a great time!” one guest replied.

“Can’t wait for the sexy show,” answered another.

“Loved my spa day,” replied a third.

He knew Taylor well enough to see past her polite smile, but he’d no idea what had triggered her walled-off attitude. Everyone piled out on the first floor. As they approached the ballroom, the pulsing beat of the band pounded in his chest. No sooner had they stepped inside than several VIP guests ambushed him.

Taylor kept her distance. But he wanted her flush against him. Goddammit, she’s mine and I want the world to know. With a firm hand on her elbow, he guided her toward the front of the room.

The band finished their number and Jagger took center stage. With mic in hand, he smiled at the masked crowd. “Good evening and welcome to Loving Malibu.” After the applause died down, he continued. “Is everyone having a good time?”

He paused to appreciate the crowd’s shouts and cheers. During his lowest point, he doubted this moment would ever happen.

“I have a phenomenal team I’d like you to meet,” he continued. “They’re the real reason you’re having a great time.” As he introduced his executive team, they lined up behind him.

“Robby, c’mon up here.” His very smiley assistant hopped onstage and stood beside him. “If you don’t have an excellent assistant, I highly recommend you get one. Robby Sutton is indispensible.” Robby beamed as Jagger touted how invaluable he was to the success of Loving. When finished, Robby took a melodramatic bow, and the audience burst into applause.

“If you attended an event, or if you’re going to attend one later this evening, you might want to personally thank my event director, Taylor Hathaway.”

She walked onstage, stood beside Jagger, and smiled at the guests.

“Taylor Hathaway is my lucky charm,” Jagger continued. “Her efforts, and those of her team, should be hailed as heroic.” He paused while the audience applauded. “They worked nonstop to ensure a variety of activities. There’s something fun for everyone. Parasailing and wine tours. Who’s signed up for Chess on the Beach tomorrow?” With a smile, he nodded as several raised their hands. “That event is sold out for days. And we’ve got some sexy shows that will get your blood-a-pumpin’.” The crowd laughed. “Be sure to thank her when you see her.”

Her large, blue eyes blinked away the moisture. “Thank you,” she whispered.

She wasn’t anywhere near ready to hear what he wanted to tell her, but there was no way he could live without her. No fucking way.

After more applause, Jagger said, “Thank you for making Loving Malibu the place to be. Have a great evening and a fantastic stay.” He handed the mic to the band’s lead singer and gestured for his team to file off the stage.

“Thank you for the public recognition,” Taylor said. “I’m going to make sure the salon is all set and check on the performers.”

Needing answers, he said, “I’ll join you.”

As they made their way through the mingling guests, Kate bustled over. “Very nice speech. Some VIP’s are requesting face time with the master of ceremonies.” She shot Taylor a quick smile. “I’m so sorry to break you two up.”

“I’ll catch up with you as soon as I can,” Jagger said to Taylor.

Before opening the door to the ballroom, she glanced over her shoulder at him. His chest tightened. Something was definitely wrong. Dammit, is she going to bolt on me…again?